What is the primary outcome of breaking laws or rules in professional practice?

In professional psychology practice, breaking laws or rules typically leads to penalties and legal issues. This outcome is a crucial aspect of maintaining ethical standards and legal compliance in the field. Violations can result in serious consequences such as losing licensure, facing lawsuits, and incurring fines or other disciplinary actions from regulatory bodies. Such repercussions not only harm the professional's reputation but may also negatively impact clients and the broader community.

Understanding this primary consequence underscores the importance of adhering strictly to ethical guidelines and legal requirements, which are designed to protect both practitioners and clients. Professionals are expected to operate within these frameworks to foster trust, accountability, and the overall integrity of the psychological practice.